THE WHALE OPENS IN THEATERS

For the past 2 years, we've been talking a lot about how Darren Aronofsky's THE WHALE was working in the Hudson Valley. Filming took place primarily on the soundstage at Umbra of Newburgh and on location in New Paltz. The cast features Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins, Samantha Morton and Hong Chau, who previously worked in the region on DRIVEWAYS, which filmed mostly in Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park. Many local crew members were hired to work on the project including 'legendary' key grip Mitch Lillian. Other locals working G&E included Jimmy DeMarco (rigging gaffer), Jack Lillian (B camera dolly grip), Greg Meola (grip), Kimberly Sauer (add'l digital imaging technician), Anthony Stracquadanio (grip), Todd Sullivan (lead shop electrician). Other crew members included Rachaell Dama (costume supervisor), Michele Elise (tailor), Michelle Bayreuther (set medic), Tony Glazer (stage manager), Summer Crockett Moore (stage manager). Hilary Greer (HBG Casting) was in charge of background actors.

THE WHALE is the story of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.

The Film Commission was first contacted by Protozoa Pictures in May of 2020. As with many other Film & TV productions in 2020, Covid-19 created delays, but eventually cast and crew got to work. Samson Jacobson managed location issues including parking at SUNY New Paltz, which the film commission helped out with. In 2015, we had worked with Samson with hopes of bringing Aronofsky's MOTHER (starring Jennifer Lawrence) to Barrytown. The project ended up in Canada. Additional regional work included post production work, specifically sounds effects editing, which was handled by Coll Anderson of C.A Sound in Bearsville. Coll has worked extensively with Aronofsky over the years. In 2013, the film commission helped gather some voice extras so C.A Sound could record effects for NOAH. Prior to that, he had worked on BLACK SWAN, which won 5 Oscars.

THE WHALE, which world premiered to raves at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2022, opens in theaters today, including at the AMC Crystal Run in Middletown.

In other news, the trailer is out for WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS; another great project that filmed in the Hudson Valley. The limited HBO series was directed and executive produced by David Mandel and created, written and executive produced by Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck.Watch the trailer online at https://tinyurl.com/whptrailer

Based on the 2007 book Integrity: Good People, Bad Choices, and Life Lessons from the White House by Egil Krogh and Matthew Krogh, WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS tells the story of E. Howard Hunt (Woody Harrelson) and G. Gordon Liddy (Justin Theroux), the two masterminds behind the Watergate scandal who accidentally sabotaged Richard Nixon’s presidency despite their futile attempts to protect his reputation.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission provided some support for locations, crew, cast and vendors. Filming took place throughout the region including Albany, Beacon, Dover Plains, Garrison, Hurley, Kingston, Millbrook, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie (city & town), Rhinebeck, West Park and several other locations.

WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS is coming to HBO March 2023.

Please consider supporting the continued efforts of the HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION
with a tax-deductible contribution at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

TAKEN HOSTAGE

Coming soon to American Experience on PBS
Robert Stone's TAKEN HOSTAGE

Unfolding like a political thriller, TAKEN HOSTAGE tells the story of the Iran hostage crisis, when 52 American diplomats, Marines and civilians were held hostage at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979. For the next 444 days, the world watched as the United States received a daily barrage of humiliation, vitriol and hatred from a country that had long been one of our closest allies. Told through the candid, personal testimony of those whose lives were upended by the action, the crisis would transform both the U.S. and Iran and forever upend the focus and direction of American foreign policy. Presented in two parts, Part 1, airing on November 14, chronicles the 25 year dictatorship of the Shah, the CIA coup that installed him, and the revolution that overthrew his regime in 1979. Part 2, airing on November 15, covers the hostage crisis and its devolution into a media frenzy that laid the groundwork for today’s 24 hour news cycle, upended Carter’s presidency and transformed the politics of the Middle East in ways that reverberate to the present day. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER


”Post-production for Taken Hostage was done almost entirely in the Hudson Valley,” says Stone. “Our production office is based in Rhinecliff. Much of the editing and all of the mastering was done here, in-house. Color correction and on-line was done by Chad Smith at Massive Clouds in Kingston. Sound editing and mix were done by Coll Anderson and his team at CA Sound in Bearsville. It’s a team I’ve been working with for over a decade and the production values we achieve be keeping it local are second to none. Given the current uprising in Iran that is bordering on outright revolution, this film could not be more timely.”

Photo by Roger Tully

BIO: Multi-tasking as a producer, director, writer, editor and cameraman, Stone has over the last 35 years developed an esteemed international reputation for his unique and critically acclaimed feature-documentaries about American history, pop-culture, the mass media and the environment.

Robert Stone is an Oscar® nominee for Best Feature Documentary, a three-time Emmy-nominee for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking and a winner of the 2020 Columbia duPont Award for Best Documentary, among many other awards and accolades for his work over three decades, which includes "Chasing the Moon," "Pandora’s Promise," "Earth Days," "Oswald's Ghost," "Hollywood Vietnam," "Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst," "Radio Bikini."

Stone continues to create personally-crafted documentary films from his home in the Hudson Valley of New York, where he lives with his wife, Shelby Stone, a film and television producer, and his two sons.

TAKEN HOSTAGE premieres November 14 on PBS.
A preview and discussion with Barry Rosen, Barbara Rosen and Robert Stone will take place on November 7. For details, visit Taken Hostage: Film Preview & Discussion at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

THIRD QUARTER TOTALS TOP 2021

Glad to have been included in of Variety’s New York Issue and thrilled that the cover features Darren Aronofsky’s THE WHALE, which was filmed in the Hudson Valley. To read the Article in Variety, visit www.tinyurl.com/varietynyissue

In addition to the recent mention in Variety, several articles have covered the news that Film & TV direct spending in the region has already exceeded 2021 totals. Over the first three quarters of 2022, the Hudson Valley Film Commission tracked more than $60-MILLION in direct local spending. Totals for 2021 were estimated at $58-MILLION.

Totals are still being tabulated, but as of October 7, 3rd quarters totals included the following:

  • $60,595,200 in direct spending

  • 723+ local industry members were hired

  • 3023+ local actors and background actors were hired

  • 42,606 room nights rentals were tracked at local lodging establishments

  • 372 production days were tracked with another 509 scouting days

  • 297 locations were used throughout the region

Indirect spending easily topped an additional $50 million from shopping, tourism, dining, recreation, indirect jobs, services, royalties, internships, new home buyers and new businesses.

“We still have three months to go before the end of the year and we’re expecting quite a few more productions,'' said Hudson Valley Film Commission Executive Director Laurent Rejto. “In addition, we will soon be announcing several exciting new vendors who should help increase Film & TV opportunities in the region.”

Select productions that filmed in the region during 3rd Quarter included:

  • A PARACOSM (Heroboy Productions)
    directed by Marco Baratta and featuring Griffin Santopietro

  • FALLOUT (Amazon Studios)

    directed by Jonathan Nolan, and featuring Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Charlie Besso

  • FAMILY (Endeavor Content)
    directed by Ben Finkel, and featuring Ruth Wilson and Ben Chaplin

  • FULL CIRCLE (HBO Max)
    directed by Steven Soderbergh, and featuring Timothy Olyphant, Claire Danes, Dennis Quaid

  • GUNKS COMMERCIAL (Camp4Collective) featuring local actors.

  • LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE (Great Mountain LLC) directed by Andrew Kightlinger and featuring Paul Sparks, Luke David Blumm, Caitlin Fitzgerald

  • MANIFEST (Netflix)

    Created by Jeff Rake and featuring Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, J.R. Ramirez

  • POKER FACE (Peacock TV)
    directed by Rian Jonson, and featuring Ellen Barkin, Benjamin Bratt, Adrien Brody, David Castañeda, Hong Chau, Clea DuVall, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Stephanie Hsu, Jameela Jamil, Judith Light, Tim Meadows, Ron Perlman, Tim Blake Nelson, Nick Nolte, Chloë Sevigny and thousands of local extras.

  • UNTITLED PRISON MOVIE that filmed at Downstate Correctional in July. Details TBA.

  • VISITING ANGELS (Tully Productions) directed by Roger Tully

  • WOLF, Yeah Yeah Yeahs music video

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that has engaged, supported and promoted hundreds of regional Film & TV productions. As part of its mission, the Film Commission refers locations, local crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more.

Here are some recent quotes regarding our recent efforts:

“You are, without a doubt, the hardest working film rep in New York State, if not the country, and we are always grateful AND humbled by your endless efforts.” – Chris Arena, Location Manager for HONDO – Amazon Studios (July 2022)

"The Hudson Valley Film Commission came through big for Woodstock Film Studios this year. We're very grateful for the two productions (Blue Light & Family) that ended up using the space for the better part of the year. We're also thrilled with the referral to Kara and Alex from Cobalt Stages. They will be leasing the facility going forward and hopefully working with you guys to continue bringing economic development to Ulster County." – Dean Holtermann, Owner, Woodstock Film Studios (June & July, 2022)

"Amazingly helpful. Thanks again for a great Spring & Summer shoot. I look forward to filming in the Hudson Valley again soon.” – Dave Dorn for "LOST ON A MOUNTAIN IN MAINE.” (July & August 2022)

"You made filming in the Hudson Valley a pleasure. The vast resources you shared, your community connections and insights, and your troubleshooting were invaluable. Thank you for welcoming us and being a steady support throughout our entire production. We look forward to more filming in the Hudson Valley in the future!” –Karin Young Shiel, Co-Producer, UNTITLED PRISON MOVIE (August 2022)

"What you guys are doing is rad! I can't believe all the amazing people you sent me! Thank you! ...You truly have gone above and beyond." – Cynthia Martinez, Camp4Collective producer, Gunks Commercial.

LOCAL TIES TO THE LAST MOVIE STARS

Today's virtual screenfest recommendation is Ethan Hawke's "The Last Movie Stars." The six-part documentary from CNN Films and HBO Max chronicles Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward's iconic careers and decades-long partnership. Director Ethan Hawke brings life and color to this definitive history of their dedication to their art, philanthropy, and each other.

While the series was not filmed in the Hudson Valley, many of the participants have deep roots to the region, including Newman, Woodward, Hawke and many of the participants including Gore Vidal, Vincent D'Onofrio and Sam Rockwell.

In 1990, Oscar-winning actor Joanne Woodward, directed the play “Velvet Elvis,” which opened at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock. Newman attended the opening performance with Woodward.

In 1991, Woodward returned to the Bearsville Theater to head the cast of Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts," which was directed by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Michael Cristofer.

Newman and Woodward had previously collaborated on Michael Cristofer’s “The Shadow Box” in 1980. The ABC TV movie, which Newman directed, stars Woodward, Christopher Plummer and Valerie Harper in an emotional story of three terminally ill cancer patients, their family and friends. The acclaimed film was nominated for three Emmys including one for Newman.

Joanne Woodward was also involved in the River Arts Repertory at the Byrdcliffe Theatre. Famous actors walked Byrdcliffe lanes memorizing lines. When Joanne Woodward came to play in Chekhov’s The Seagull, Paul Newman tagged along with her and hung out on the Village Green sipping a paperclad Bud.

In 1991, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were honored with the Franklyn Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award, which is presented annually to "those men and women whose achievements have demonstrated a commitment to those principles which US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed in his Four Freedoms speech to the United States Congress on January 6, 1941, as essential to democracy: "freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear."

In 1994, Paul Newman (also an Oscar-Winner) starred in "Nobody's Fool," which was filmed almost entirely in Beacon, NY. The film co-also featured Bruce Willis, Jessica Tandy, Melanie Giffith, Philip Seymour Hoffman. The film received two Oscar nominations for Best Actor (Newman) and Best screenplay based on previous material).

As a side note, the Hudson Valley Film Commission still works with several people who handled locations for “Nobody’s Fool,” including location manager Daniel Strol and then location assistant Laura Berning. The film is also available for screening on HBO-MAX.

In August of 2005, Newman returned to Woodstock to help with a fundraiser for the Woodstock Playhouse

Gore Vidal, who was a close friend of Newman and Woodward, bought and lived at Edgewater in Barrytown from 1950 to 1969. A prolific writer, Vidal published 25 novels, two memoirs and several volumes of stylish, magisterial essays. He also wrote plays, television dramas and screenplays.

Gore Vidal at Edgewater

He wrote the following in his autobiography, "Palimpsest:" “I have a recurring dream about Edgewater and sometimes I wonder if I should have given it up. The dream always starts the same way. I have just bought it back from the man I sold it to.”

For Vidal, the purchase of Edgewater was also a return to his birthplace—the Hudson River Valley. Read more about Vidal and Edgewater at Classic American Homes.

Actor, writer and director, Ethan Hawke also lived in the region in the early two thousands. His body of work has been exceptional from a very young age when he made his debut in “Explorers,” and followed with a breakthrough performance in “Dead Poet’s Society.” Hawke has been nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for “Boyhood”(2013), Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for “Before Midnight” (2013), Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for “Before Sunset” (2004), and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “Training Day” (2001). His directorial debut came in 2001 with “Chelsea Walls.” Click here to watch an Interview with Hawke on Collider.

D'Onofrio also lived in the region and Rockwell has family in the area.

PRODUCTION ON PACE TO BREAK RECORDS

HUDSON VALLEY FILM & TV PRODUCTION ON PACE TO BREAK RECORDS
As 2nd Quarter Work Heats Up

“Poker Face” filming in Beacon

The Hudson Valley Film Commission worked with more than 21 productions during the 2nd quarter of 2022. A select list of current projects includes A Paracosm, Family, Hondo, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, Poker Face and an Untitled Prison Movie that recently filmed at the decommissioned Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill.

On the release front, Thursday, July 28 marked the premiere of HBO’s Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, which filmed in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene and Ulster, where they were based at Upriver Studios.

“It’s been an exceptional year to date,” says Hudson Valley Film Commission Executive Director Laurent Rejto. “We’ve been working with Amazon Studios, HBO, Peacock, Showtime, and it’s also very reassuring that many independent film productions have returned to the region, as well as commercials. We are on pace to break the records set in 2021.”

“Lost on a Mountain in Main,” filming in
Uptown Kingston

Smaller Indies have always been the backbone and fabric of the regional industry and have been a constant proving ground for creating local economic and training opportunities.

When a small film production works in a town or neighborhood or a decommissioned building (like Downstate Correctional), they are spending money and employing local industry members including location managers and scouts, casting directors, actors, grips, electricians, hair stylists, makeup artists, stunt coordinators, art directors, scenics, set medics, carpenters, drivers, caterers, office staff, production assistants, etc.. These employees are neighbors who live and raise their families in the area. They volunteer for local fire departments and other community minded organizations. These local employees (whether producers or production assistants) make ends meet by working long hours to pay their rent or mortgage, pay school, property and sales taxes, and basically provide for their families. It’s important to contextualize that these productions are not some sort of “Hollywood” invasion as many assume - they are “Hudson Valley Productions!”

On location with The Gilded Age in 2021.

In addition to productions in the Hudson Valley Region, many trained professionals from the area are now being hired to work in different areas, including New Jersey, where Amy Hutchings Casting worked on The Kill Room, starring Woodstock’s Uma Thurman, and Samuel L. Jackson. Work in the Capital Region also relied on many Hudson Valley locals. Mother’s Milk, starring Hilary Swank, worked with Hudson Valley Casting to cast day players and background. In August, many Hudson Valley industry members will return to work on HBO’s The Gilded Age.

The HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that has engaged, supported and promoted hundreds of regional Film & TV productions since 2000. As part of its mission, the Film Commission refers to locations, local crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more. As a result, thousands of jobs have been created and more than $350 million in regional economic development.  To analyze the impact of regional production, the Film Commission collects and studies data from production sources to show how jobs and direct spending benefits sustainable local economic development. 

TOTALS THROUGH THE 2ND QUARTER OF 2022 INCLUDE:

  • Direct Local Spending: $38,550,000

  • Room Nights at Local Lodging Establishments: 29,170

  • Scouting Days: 356

  • Production Days: 217

  • Locations: 111

  • Crew Jobs Created: 561

  • Cast Jobs for Actors & Background Extra: 1,682+

On May 21, the Hudson Valley Film Commission was honored to receive the Spirit of the Aerodrome Award, which is presented in recognition of outstanding groups or individuals who have aided the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome in its mission to preserve early aviation history for future generations to understand, appreciate and enjoy. 

The Film Commission was super grateful for the amazing poster design by Robert Altemus. Based in Dutchess County, Robert Altemus is recipient of over a hundred and fifty national design and illustration awards. He has created illustrations for the New York Times, Newsweek, CBS, NBC, and various Film, TV and Broadway projects For more info about their Graphic Design, Illustration, Typography & Lettering services, visit https://altemuscreative.com

The Hudson Valley Film Commission also proudlyreceived a Certificate of Appreciation from Senator Sue Serino, 41st Senate District.

In addition, the Film Commission received a few great acknowledgments:

  • “You are, without a doubt, the hardest working film rep in New York State, if not the country, and we are always grateful and humbled by your endless efforts.” – Chris Arena,  Location Manager, for Hondo (Amazon Studios)

  • “Amazingly helpful. Thank you.” – Dave Dorn,  Locations,  Lost on a Mountain in Maine "HVFC was unbelievably helpful! I was so grateful, what an amazing resource! Thank you! ...You truly have gone above and beyond." – Cynthia Martinez, producer, Camp4Collective 

  • “Our production had a great experience shooting in the Hudson Valley. As always, Hudson Valley Film Commissioner Laurent Rejto provided invaluable advice and assistance. Very much looking forward to my next shoot in the Hudson valley.” – Paul Van Wormer, producer, Hallmark Movie Channel Commercial

  • "HVFC was fantastic in every way... crew recommendations, postings, vendor recommendations, picture car referrals and general guidance and support." –Erica Joseph Hunter, New Me Films

HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION
Facebook
Instagram
Watch our DRONE reel
Watch our SIZZLE reel
Watch REGIONAL films

Please consider supporting the continued efforts of the HUDSON VALLEY FILM COMMISSION with a tax-deductible contribution at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport

THE GREEN VEIL WORLD PREMIERE

THE GREEN VEIL world premieres on June 13 at the Tribeca Film Festival.

THE GREEN VEIL is a scripted anthology series about oppression in 1950s America from John Leguizamo and director Aram Rappaport, with music by Philip Glass.

The Hudson Valley Film Commission worked closely with The Boathouse Agency during 2020-21, referring many regional crew, cast, vendors, picture cars, and more.

Featured locations include Red Hook’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Kalina Farm, the Historic Village Diner and more. Other locations were used in Spackenkill, Woodstock, Bearsville and more.

Here's a sneak peak from recent appearance on Fox. Watch online at https://tinyurl.com/greenveilfox

Two episodes will screen at Tribeca.

Screenings will take place:

Mon June 13, 8:30 PM Village East by Angelika: Theater 6 (sold out)

Wed June 15 - 6:00 PM via streaming at home

Thu June 16 - 6:00 PM at Cinépolis: Theater 6 (sold out)

For ticket and streaming info, visit www.tinyurl.com/greenveiltribeca

OLD RHINEBECK AERODROME HONORS FILM COMMISSION

We are humbled and very grateful to our friends at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome for honoring the Hudson Valley Film Commission at the Soaring 20's Gala on May 21.

Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a national treasure and we are lucky to be able to recommend such an incredible resource to visiting Film & TV productions. Our aim is to create mutually beneficial relationships, and the Aerodrome has always gone above & beyond to provide visiting Film & TV productions access to their picturesque location, incredible biplanes, picture cars and more.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Aerodrome and catch a glimpse at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival when they premiere THE GREEN VEIL. Other productions that have worked with the Aerodrome include Tim Guinee’s ONE ARMED MAN, HBO’s I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE, and HBO’S THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA.

For more about the Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, visit www.oldrhinebeck.org/airshows

For more about the Hudson Valley Film Commission, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org

The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that has engaged, supported and promoted hundreds of regional Film & TV productions..

As part of its mission, the Film Commission refers locations, local crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more. As a result, thousands of jobs have been created and more than $325 million in regional economic development.

BYRDCLIFFE FILM WORKSHOP

This five-day film workshop will be taught in the Historic Byrdcliffe Theater from June 6-10, 2022. The workshop is designed as a fun, improvisational, hands-on class in making short films. All levels of filmmaking experience are welcome. For full details and reservations, visit BYRDCLIFFE FILM WORKSHOP

Head instructor Annie Nocenti, and Natalie Chau will oversee the class, which will include the basic elements of screenwriting and directing, using inspirational film screenings, group student improvisations, scene writing, rehearsal, shooting, all in an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity. The classes are designed to be relaxed, engaging, and fun, in order to demystify filmmaking, and embrace beginners. At the end of the five days, students should be capable of making short films in a zero-budget DO-IT-YOURSELF fashion with a small crew, and also understand the process of professional filmmaking. 

Guest speakers will include experienced industry talent who will discuss their craft. (see GUEST BIOS below). Specific guests will speak about different aspects of the business including acting, budgeting, casting, cinematography, directing, editing, and more. 

Read more at BYRDCLIFFE FILM WORKSHOP

PICTURE CARS & EXTRAS

By Cole Armstrong

In the Hudson Valley, background extra work has given many seniors an opportunity to work on regional Film and Television productions. The job of an extra is often overlooked, but actually fundamental to each project, adding production value and a sense of scale. Another visual aspect that is often overlooked, are the picture cars that appear on screen.

We recently reached out to three local background extras to talk about their experience and to find out how they provide more than just their presence on set. 

“I moved here as a six year old in 1956 when my dad got work at IBM,” says Kevin Fouhy. “We moved from South Bend, Indiana into an apartment in Hopewell Junction while we waited for a new home that was being built in Poughkeepsie.”

After retiring from Metro North Railroad in December of 2016, Fouhy began following his passion for cars by buying a classic 1973 Cadillac. It became a catalyst for his newfound career after he saw a Hudson Valley Film Commission post looking for local “period” cars for the HBO mini series I Know This Much is True, starring Mark Ruffalo. He applied and ended up using his Cadillac five times until it was revealed that the narrative would be moving up a decade. “No problem,” thought Fouhy who went out and purchased a 1985 Chevy Cavalier Convertible that they would go on to use for scenes from the 1980s. 

Fouhy and his cars have also appeared in Pinball (Choice Films), Mindy Kaling's HBO Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, HBO's The White House Plumbers, co-starring Woody Harrelson and Justin Theroux and two Hallmark productions, One December Night,  and A Spectacular Christmas, starring Ann-Margret.

The work made him eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership - the American labor union representing approximately 160,000 film and television actors. Thanks to all the work, Fouhy was quickly able to pay off the initiation fee. 

Fouhy isn’t the only area senior providing an arsenal of antique automobiles. After retiring from civil engineering and land surveying, Wallkill based Steven Terwilliger, began pursuing a passion he had since high school in the 1970s, when he worked as a stagehand on a school production of the musical, Carousel. Terwilliger continued his AV work into college for extra cash, assisting in sound and running lights during school shows and events.

His first work for the local industry was in 2011 for Extreme Makeover Home Edition. He worked alongside hosts Ty Pennington, Paul DiMeo, and Ed Sanders to build a new home for a family that included a little girl with dwarfism. Terwilliger also worked with Chef Robert Irvine on  an episode of Restaurant Impossible, shooting scenes with the D9 crew where Irvine remodeled a restaurant in Port Jervis, New York.

In 2018, Terwilliger was able to provide his pride and joy, a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sport, for the making of Mob Town, a gangster movie starring David Arquette, based on a true story. Terwilliger was involved in four scenes in and around the city of Newburgh. 

Staatsburg’s Owen Clarke is another local resident who has provided  period cars to productions, including I Know This Much is True, The White House Plumbers, A Spectacular Christmas, and The Green Veil, featuring Irene Bedard.

“I started collecting cars very early on,” said Clarke, a retired banker. “I always figured that when I retired, I would somehow provide movie cars to films as a hobby. When I heard about the Hudson Valley Film Commission, I sent pictures and descriptions of my cars and how they could contact me. Fortunately, I’ve been asked to participate in several different movies.”

Among the cars owned by Clarke is a Lincoln 41 Continental that he points out was the sister car of the one used in The Godfather scene where Sonny gets shot at the toll booth. Clarke also once owned a 1957 Continental Mark II which was originally owned by actress Doris Day.

In addition to his cars, Clarke has worked several times as an extra. In The Green Veil,' he was cast as an FBI agent in a scene that he found particularly moving. “The FBI agents were seated around a conference table and in the center of the table was a speaker phone from which Dwight D. Eisenhower was talking to us. After he finished, the head agent of the group said we needed to have a toast, so we all toasted with what was probably tea water that looked like scotch. Then we broke into a song rendition of God bless America. Getting to do that gave me a tremendous feeling.”

When Clarke worked as an extra on I Know This Much is True, he was able to get his grandchildren involved. They appeared in the theater scene and the planting and dedication of the tree at the school. “After I took them to wardrobe to get measured, I told them they had just earned about $35 a piece. They were so excited. Then, all the food came out for craft services and I told them they could have anything they wanted, as long as they didn’t get sick.”

With every production, Clarke donates a portion of his earnings to charity. He was previously on the board of Dutchess Outreach which provides food pantry and soup kitchen services in the county. Some of the non profits he has supported include Feed The Children; a non profit organization supplying food and resources to families struggling economically from the pandemic, as well as The Christian Appalachian Children Fund. 

As projects premiere, keep an eye out for Kevin, Steven, Owen and their magnificent picture cars. For up to date information about film premieres, visit www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest

If you’re interested in being a part of an upcoming Film & or TV production, check out daily posts on the Hudson Valley Film Commission’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hudsonvalleyfilmcommission
If you own a picture car that you would like considered for Film & TV projects, send a photo with year, make and model to filmcommission@me.com.

Several new productions are ongoing in the region with several new ones starting up, including the Peacock series, Poker Face which recently posted for background extras through the Hudson Valley Film Commission. 

Grant Wilfley Casting Inc. is seeking Hudson Valley locals to work as background actors in the Peacock series Poker Face, created by Rian Johnson and starring Natasha Lyonne. Filming is based in the Newburgh, Fishkill area. To submit your information for consideration, visit www.tinyurl.com/pokerfacecasting

LIFE & BETH & MASTER

2022 in the Mid Hudson Valley has started off with several productions, including large projects from HBO Max, Hallmark, and Peacock. That means continued jobs for local cast, crew and vendors, and economic development for the region. In addition, the Film Commission has already engaged with 15 other impending projects including indie films, studio features and more TV productions.

In addition, the Film Commission expects continued work on at least four TV shows that filmed in 2021, which have gotten the green light for second seasons – a first for the region. Those shows include The Gilded Age (HBO), Invasion (Apple TV+), Severance (Apple TV+), and Mindy Kaling’s The Sex Lives of College Girls (HBO Max).

We look forward to supporting those projects with recommendations for locations, crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post houses, and more, and we look forward to promoting the end result, as we have done with 11 projects during the first quarter on 2022. See prior blog.

That said, two particularly big projects are premiering on Friday, March 18.

The first project is the Hulu TV series LIFE & BETH, which was created by and stars Amy Schumer, who by the way, will also be co-hosting the Academy Awards on March 27.

The second project is the feature film MASTER, starring Regina Hall, who by the way, will be co-hosting the Academy Awards on March 27.

It’s an interesting coincidence that 2 of the 3 co-hosts for the 94th Academy Awards spent a considerable amount of time working in Dutchess and Putnam Counties during 2021.

LIFE & BETH

In 2019, the Film Commission was contacted by the location manager for a project that was initially called Love & Beth. They were looking for working wineries in the region and other locations. 

Due to the Covid outbreak, production was postponed from fall 2020 to summer of 2021. In addition to locations, crew and vendor referrals were made, and the Film Commission worked closely with Roman Candle Casting to enlist more than 250 local background extras. Filming took place in Red Hook, Staatsburg and Putnam Valley.

The storyline follows Beth (Schumer), who after an unexpected incident starts having flashbacks to her teen self and learns how she became who she is and who she wants to become. The series also features Michael Cera, Susannah Flood, Violet Young, Kevin Kane, Yamaneika Saunders, Laura Benanti, Larry Owens, Michael Rapaport, Rosebud Walker, LaVar Walker and many Hudson Valley background extras. 

The series premieres on Hulu. Watch the trailer below.

MASTER

In June of 2019, the Film Commission was contacted by the producers who we had previously worked with on several projects, including JimJarmusch’s film The Dead Don’t Die.

We were asked to recommend potential schools. We have over 15 thousand photos and generally create custom galleries for potential projects. The producers of Master selected Vassar College. Once we knew the project was committed to the region, we made recommendations for crew members. Generally, we start by providing names of regional members of Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52 and other industry union members. There are hundreds of trained professionals living throughout the region with many others traveling to work in the area.

Filming took place in early 2020 but was shut down due to Covid. Production returned to finish in early 2021. Producer Josh Astrachan wrote the following: “We were the first business most hotels in the area had seen for some time. It's worth reminding people that films are intrepid and have resources. We bring work and labor when many others can't. That crew of 100+ was also spending per diem on location, and I know that I am not the only crew member to have fallen in love with Poughkeepsie's Rossi Rosticceria.” 

The synopsis follows three women who strive to find their place at a prestigious New England university that may disguise something sinister.

Master, which was directed by Mariama Diallo, features Regina Hall, Zoe Renee and Amber Gray. It world premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and recently screened at SXSW in Austin. The movie opens in theaters (including NCG in Kingston) and on Amazon Prime. The trailer was recently released and can be watched below.

For up to date listings about local films and where they can be seen, visit our STREAMFEST PAGE at www.hudsonvalleyfilmcommission.org/streamfest


The Hudson Valley Film Commission is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that has engaged, supported and promoted hundreds of regional Film & TV productions since 2000. As part of its mission, the Film Commission refers locations, local crew, cast, vendors, qualified production facilities, post production houses and more. As a result, thousands of jobs have been created and more than $310 million in regional economic development.

Please consider supporting our continued efforts with a tax-deductible contribution at https://tinyurl.com/hvfcsupport














HUDSON VALLEY PREMIERES

The first two months of 2022 have been peppered with premieres for many of the Film & TV projects that were produced (at least in part) in the mid Hudson Valley. These productions, which feature local cast, crew and vendors, made 2021 a breakthrough year for regional Film & TV production, with record numbers for direct spending, hotel room rentals, jobs, and more. This was a very welcome bounce back from the 2020 shutdown and the difficulties created by the Covid-19 Pandemic.

In 2021, the Hudson Valley Film Commission collected the following data:

  • Estimated local spending: $58-million*

  • Room Nights Rented: 42,686

  • Scouting Days Tallied: 374

  • Production Days Tallied: 471*

  • Number of Locations Used: 264

  • Local crew hired: 631*

  • Local ‘featured’ actors hired: 72*

  • Local background extras hired: 4,048

    • *asterisk indicate record number

Data collected by the Hudson Valley Film Commission doesn’t include "multipliers" or indirect spending. That revenue, which results from dining out, recreation, shopping, tourism, new businesses, indirect jobs, distribution, royalties, and new home buyers, should be taken into consideration.  

A short recap of recent premieres includes (listed by release date):

MASTER (Amazon Studios), directed by Mariama Diallo, features Regina Hall who will be co-hosting the Oscars. The film premiered to great reviews at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2022. It will also screen at SXSW in Austin then premiere on Amazon Prime on March 18, 2022. Vassar College was selected to double for the fictional Ancaster College. Production took place on campus in March of 2020, but stopped due to the Covid 19 pandemic outbreak. Filming continued at Vassar College in January 2021. Regina Hall will be co-hosting the 2022 Oscars.

THE GILDED AGE (HBO), created by Julian Fellowes (DOWNTON ABBEY) premieres on January 24, 2022. Production work on Season One took place in Troy, NY but featured many Hudson Valley  cast, crew and vendors, who were hired for the monumental project which is set in 1882.  Season Two production is slated to begin this summer and location scouting has started.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/wKj1cMz3yfI

STAY AWAKE, directed by Jamie Sisley, and starring Chrissy Metz (THIS IS US), Wyatt Oleff and Fin Argus, world premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 12, 2022 where it was honored with the Cinema Vision 14plus award.

Filming took place primarily in Saugerties and Kingston. 

A FAIRY TALE AFTER ALL (Vertical Entertainment), directed by Eric Peter Carlson included scenes produced in Poughkeepsie and at Wings Castle in Millbrook.

Filming took place in November of 2019 and 2021.

The film was released in select theaters and V.O.D on February 18, 2022.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/brZ5Xuvb1U4

SEVERANCE (Apple TV+), directed by Ben Stiller features SUNY New Paltz alumni John Turturro, as well as Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, and Cristopher Walken. Filming took place at the Phoenicia Diner, the Kingston Rondout and Main Street in Beacon.

The first two episodes were released on Apple TV+ on February 18, 2022. Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/WJYlG5I4rOk

TED K (NEON), directed by Bard College alumni Tony Stone filmed scenes in Columbia County and in Albany featuring many local background actors, and crew. Released in select theaters and V.O.D on 2/18/2022.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/eAyS2OoLznI

THE ENDGAME (NBC Universal), directed by Justin Lin (best known for THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS franchise, premieres on NBC and PeacockTV on February 21, 2022. Local production featured an amazing car stunt, which was filmed in Putnam Valley at Glynwood Farms.

Watch the trailer at https://www.tinyurl.com/endgameonnbc

If you’re in Washington D.C. on March 4, check out the DC Independent Film Festival world premiere of LIVING IN DELUSIONVILLE, a documentary by Hudson Valley filmmaker Constant van Hoeven.

From humble Midwestern beginnings, processing the commercial imagery of pop culture into a darker, funnier universe that he calls Delusionville, legendary art Ron English has pranked and pummeled his way into prominence, influencing generations of artists and laying the groundwork for the explosion of Street Art. The screening will be followed by a Q&A Constant van Hoeven and Ron English, who also hails from the Hudson Valley.
For tickets and additional info, visit www.tinyurl.com/delusionvilleindc

LINOLEUM, directed by Colin West, will world premiere on March 12, 2022 at SXSW in Austin, as part of the Narrative Feature Competition. Filming primarily took place in the Town of Ulster, Kingston, and Saugerties in October and November of 2019. The cast features Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Katelyn Nacon, Gabriel Rush, Amy Hargreaves, West Duchovny, Michael Ian Black, Tony Shalhoub, Elisabeth Henry (local), Roger Hendricks Simon and many local extras.

LIFE & BETH (Hulu), which was created by Amy Schumer, will premiere on March 18, 2022. The series, which filmed in the Dutchess and Putnam County towns of Milan, Putnam Valley, Red Hook, and Staatsburgh, co-stars Michael Cera, Susannah Flood, Violet Young, Kevin Kane, Yamaneika Saunders, Laura Benanti, Larry Owens, Michael Rapaport, Rosebud Walker, LaVar Walker and many Hudson Valley background extras. Amy Schumer will also be co-hosting the 2022 Oscars.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/Dfz11eEOif0

THE INSTITUTE  is a Thriller/ SciFi/ Horror genre film that tells the story of a couple desperate to have a child that begins treatment at a renowned doctor's secluded facility. The couple becomes suspicious when the medical regimen brings on psychological side effects and try to learn the truth about The Institute.

Filming took place primarily in Ulster County. Distribution will be available across streaming platforms on March 22, 2022 courtesy of Gravitas Ventures.

Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/VzlCc68RuiY

There are plenty more premieres coming down the road. For more info about upcoming premieres, visit www.tinyurl.com/hvfcstreamfest

Film & TV, with its ripple effect of prep, production, post, and distribution, has created regional opportunities in an industry that generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity. As production crews come to the region, they create mutually beneficial relationships and require broad support and involvement from local businesses and residents. 

2022 is off to a fast start with several Film & TV productions already in the works and about half a dozen projects in consideration. We are also buoyed by the news that several TV projects that filmed in the region in 2021 have been renewed for second seasons. Those projects include THE GILDED AGE (HBO), INVASION (Apple TV+), SEVERANCE (Apple TV+), and Mindy Kaling’s THE SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS (HBO MAX). We’re looking forward to continued economic development and local jobs.